Taiwan Exports Surge 38.6% in May to Record $51.7B

Taiwan's export sector experienced a record-breaking surge in May 2025, with exports rising 38.6% year-on-year to $51.74 billion, marking the first time exports exceeded $50 billion. This growth, the fastest in nearly 15 years, was driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence technologies and strategic order placements ahead of potential U.S. tariffs. Exports to the United States soared by 87.4%, reaching $15.52 billion, while exports to China also increased by 16.6%. Key contributors to the export boom included electronic components, especially semiconductors, with notable shipments to major tech companies such as Apple and Nvidia. Despite this robust export growth, Taiwan's finance ministry cautioned that uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions could pose challenges moving forward, though they project continued export growth of 15% to 25% for June. Imports also rose but at a more modest pace, increasing 25% to $39.13 billion, below economists' forecasts.